{"id":125,"date":"2021-10-26T18:00:48","date_gmt":"2021-10-26T16:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=650649"},"modified":"2021-10-26T18:18:11","modified_gmt":"2021-10-26T16:18:11","slug":"new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders\/","title":{"rendered":"New Specialized Riprock is a kids\u2019 mountain bike built to stoke tiny shredders"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Katherine Moore\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 26 October 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Specialized has overhauled its Riprock kids\u2019 bike, updating the geometry and ditching the suspension fork to make this a shred-ready trail bike for children.<\/p>\n

Having been first released in 2016, the new Specialized Riprock now takes its geometry cues from the brand\u2019s full-sized bikes, with a slacker head angle across the range, designed for children aged from four to 12 years old.<\/p>\n

Pricing starts from \u00a3599 \/ $650 for the 20in rigid model and rises to \u00a3649 \/ $700 for the 24in bike. There\u2019s also the top-of-the-range, suspension-equipped Rockrider 24 Expert for $1,500.<\/p>\n

Ditching suspension (mostly)<\/h2>\n

As we learn more about what\u2019s the best way to start cycling with kids<\/a>, including the more recent emphasis on balance bikes \u2013 such as the (admittedly very expensive) Specialized Hotwalk<\/a> released last year \u2013 Specialized has opted for a lightweight rigid fork on both the Riprock 20 and Riprock 24, compared to the previous model\u2019s 60mm travel fork.<\/p>\n

(We\u2019ve got a guide to kids\u2019 bike wheel sizes<\/a> if you want to see where your child fits).<\/p>\n

\""Specialized\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Both the 20in and 24in size options feature a rigid fork.<\/span><\/figcaption> Specialized<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This switch yields a significant weight saving, which is crucial for young riders, where minimising bike weight is key.<\/p>\n

The smallest Riprock 20 model weighs in at a claimed 10.2kg, according to Specialized. Getting the basic mountain bike skills dialled without suspension is now generally accepted to be a smart route.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe designed the new Riprock to give young riders everything they need and nothing they don\u2019t,\u201d says Eric Fischer, product manager for Specialized kids\u2019 bikes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost young riders don\u2019t need suspension forks, and by offering a rigid fork, we\u2019re able to dramatically reduce the bike weight, which ultimately results in a more positive experience for smaller, less powerful riders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Specialized\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
There\u2019s 100mm travel on offer up front on the Expert model.<\/span><\/figcaption> Specialized<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

More experienced and confident riders can work up to the Riprock 24 Expert model, featuring a 100mm Manitou fork for trail progression and young riders starting to tackle those more technical features.<\/p>\n

Geometry update<\/h2>\n

Taking design cues from Specialized\u2019s full-sized range, frame updates include shortened chainstays, a slackened head tube angle and shorter stack heights.<\/p>\n

Specialized says these changes put a greater level of control into the hands of your budding shredder, without losing that nimble ride feel.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/colgroup>
\ufeff<\/th>20in<\/th>24in<\/th>24in Expert<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Stack (mm)<\/td>385<\/td>449<\/td>523<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach (mm)<\/td>295<\/td>350<\/td>355<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube length (mm)<\/td>75<\/td>95<\/td>95<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube angle (degrees)<\/td>68<\/td>68<\/td>67<\/td> <\/tr>
BB height (mm)<\/td>239<\/td>287.5<\/td>287.5<\/td> <\/tr>
BB drop (mm)<\/td>30<\/td>30<\/td>30<\/td> <\/tr>
Trail (mm)<\/td>66<\/td>83<\/td>89<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork length (mm)<\/td>320<\/td>370<\/td>455<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork rake\/offset (mm)<\/td>40<\/td>42<\/td>42<\/td> <\/tr>
Front centre (mm)<\/td>482<\/td>565<\/td>611<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay length (mm)<\/td>350<\/td>390<\/td>390<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase<\/td>830<\/td>953<\/td>999<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube length (mm)<\/td>405<\/td>479<\/td>505<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover height (mm)<\/td>520<\/td>593<\/td>618<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube length (mm)<\/td>290<\/td>310<\/td>310<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle (degrees)<\/td>74<\/td>74<\/td>74<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div> <\/div>\n

Tiny components for tiny riders<\/h2>\n

Confidence follows on from comfort, so getting sizing and position right for nippers is key.<\/p>\n

The new Riprock features thinner grips, a smaller 130mm saddle and a narrower Q factor, all intended to optimise body position.<\/p>\n

\""Specialized\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Specialized Riprock 24 really is like a modern trail bike in miniature.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paris Gore \/ Specialized<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Expect everything you would from your trail bike<\/a> here: hydraulic disc brakes, internally routed cables, a wide-ranging 1x drivetrain with a 42t cassette, capable trail tyres and even an inbuilt front mudguard.<\/p>\n

\""Specialized\"<\/picture><\/div>
Expect wide-ranging 1x gearing from the Riprock models.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Specialized<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Specialized\"<\/picture><\/div>
Hydro disc brakes as standard across the Riprock range.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Specialized<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Specialized\"<\/picture><\/div>
Bars, grips and brake levers are all scaled down and proportional to the bike size.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Specialized<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Specialized Riprock range overview<\/h2>\n

Three Riprock models are on offer, sized with 20in or 24in wheels, with a 100mm travel Manitou J-Unit fork option for the larger size.<\/p>\n

Specialized Riprock 20<\/h3>\n
  • Size range<\/strong>: 42in\/107cm to 47in\/119cm<\/li>\n
  • Weight<\/strong>: 10.2kg\/22.5lbs<\/li>\n
  • Price<\/strong>: \u00a3599 \/ $650<\/li>\n<\/ul>

    Specialized Riprock 24<\/h3>\n
    \""Specialized\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
    The rigid, 24in wheeled Specialized Riprock 24.<\/span><\/figcaption> Specialized<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n
    • Size range<\/strong>: 47in\/119cm to 56in\/142cm<\/li>\n
    • Weight<\/strong>: 11.2kg\/24.7lbs<\/li>\n
    • Price<\/strong>: \u00a3649 \/ $700<\/li>\n<\/ul>

      Specialized Riprock Expert 24 with Manitou J-Unit Comp 100mm fork<\/h3>\n
      \""Specialized\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
      The suspension-equipped Specialized RipRock 24 Expert.<\/span><\/figcaption> Specialized<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n
      • Size range<\/strong>: 47in\/119cm to 56in\/142cm<\/li>\n
      • Weight<\/strong>: 12kg\/26.4lbs<\/li>\n
      • Price<\/strong>: $1500<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n
        ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        By Katherine Moore Published: Tuesday, 26 October 2021 at 12:00 am Specialized has overhauled its Riprock kids\u2019 bike, updating the geometry and ditching the suspension fork to make this a shred-ready trail bike for children. Having been first released in 2016, the new Specialized Riprock now takes its geometry cues from the brand\u2019s full-sized bikes, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":126,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"4"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders.jpg",1920,1280,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/10\/new-specialized-riprock-is-a-kids-mountain-bike-built-to-stoke-tiny-shredders.jpg",1920,1280,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Katherine Moore Published: Tuesday, 26 October 2021 at 12:00 am Specialized has overhauled its Riprock kids\u2019 bike, updating the geometry and ditching the suspension fork to make this a shred-ready trail bike for children. Having been first released in 2016, the new Specialized Riprock now takes its geometry cues from the brand\u2019s full-sized bikes,…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/125"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}